Students from the Voyage Learning Campus have unveiled the ‘Beacon of Hope’, a powerful new sculpture inspired by the iconic Knife Angel. The project was led by local housing association Alliance Homes, in collaboration with North Somerset Council, and was coordinated by talented artists Felix Rowberry and Char Smith from WTF Workshops.
The 'Beacon of Hope' was brought to life through the generous donations of contractors Jones Building Group and A1 Home Inspectors, Safer Stronger North Somerset and Avon and Somerset Police. This local initiative aims to amplify and preserve the Knife Angel's message long after the famous sculpture's departure from Weston-super-Mare at the end of May.
The Knife Angel, made from blades seized by police, tours the country to highlight the devastating impact of knife crime.
Alliance Homes Community Growth Manager, Helen Wheelock, says:
“The ‘Beacon of Hope’ is a community-led, lasting legacy of the Knife Angel’s visit to our town. It was inspiring to see these young students getting involved in creating this positive symbol, learning more about the profound impact of knife crime and helping to raise awareness in our communities.
“Huge thanks to all our partner organisations and businesses for helping us to make this happen – as well as to Voyage Learning Campus and all the students who took part.”
The students participated in workshops at Alliance Homes’ Coleridge Road Community Garden and came up with the concept for the legacy sculpture – a lighthouse measuring 4.5 meters in height and featuring words they chose and crafted from steel sheets, using a plasma cutter.
Artist Felix Rowberry says:
“It was wonderful to work with these energetic young people and get to know them. A beacon is a powerful symbol of hope and guidance, particularly fitting for a seaside town like Weston-super-Mare. The words they selected wrap around the sculpture, and reflect the positive things they value, such as perseverance, joy, friendship, and forgiveness.”
A ceremony took place recently to celebrate the students’ involvement in the creation of the sculpture, where they were presented with gifts and certificates.
The 'Beacon of Hope' was displayed in the Sovereign Shopping Centre and will be installed in the Bournville neighbourhood over the next few days.